A Canvas of Hope: Filipino Youth Makes History with First Gold at Global Peace Art Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In a world often fractured by conflict, the quiet power of art has managed to bridge divides, and this year, the Philippines stands at the forefront of that bridge. In a historic triumph for the nation, a Filipino student has captured the country’s first-ever Gold Award in Division 3 at the prestigious 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition.

A Historic Brushstroke

Organized by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), the competition was a massive global event, drawing in a staggering 15,932 entries from 40 nations. Amidst this sea of talent, the Philippines carved out a victory that resonates far beyond the canvas.

The spotlight falls on Prince R.M.B. Ikan of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo–Bailen Integrated School, who secured the Gold Award in Division 3. His winning masterpiece offered a vision of the world as it could be: a stirring depiction of a dove rising above people of different races holding hands, symbolizing a unity that transcends borders.

Prince Ikan’s artist statement was as poignant as his brushwork. "Through simple images and calm colors, this drawing delivers a powerful message for all people to understand each other, not to fight, and to be united as one," he explained, adding the rallying cry, "Let’s all become messengers of peace".

A Global Cry for Peace

The competition, centered around the theme "How can we practice peace and make it a reality in our daily lives?", challenged youth to transform abstract hopes into visual reality.

While Prince Ikan secured Gold for the Philippines, the Grand Prize was awarded to Tasfiha Tahsin of Bangladesh. Her work, titled "The Cry for Peace," provided a sobering counterpoint—a moving portrayal of a child praying amidst the devastation of war, symbolizing humanity's desperate longing for tranquility.

Filipino Talent Shines on the World Stage

The Philippines' success was not limited to a single victory. The country proved itself a powerhouse of creative advocacy, with several other young artists earning accolades on this international platform.

Silver Award (Division 1): Althea Cleona Q. Dela Rea (Limay Community School).

Bronze Award (Division 3): Anica Jeine Hiso (Kapalong National High School).

Bronze Award (Division 3): Zaijan V. Sumbong (St. Francis National High School).

Furthermore, Honorable Mentions were awarded to Rafael Joseph Solis (University of Batangas), Prince Marlloyd Sualog (Limay Senior High School), and Frances Cyrus Guzman (Limay Senior High School), proving the depth of artistic talent within the Filipino youth.

Art as a Weapon for Change

The International Loving-Peace Art Competition is designed to be more than a contest; it is a movement to teach children the true meaning of peace through creativity. By expressing empathy and coexistence through art, these students are empowered to become active builders of peace in their own communities.

"Peace is like life, so we must teach it to the youth. These students will grow up to be the changemakers who contribute to global peace," noted Mr. Soon-kyu Hwang, the competition's Head Judge.

IWPG Chairwoman Na Yeong Jeon echoed this sentiment, describing the participants as the "true heroes of our time" and "steadfast seeds" capable of spreading peace globally.

A Legacy of Peace

With this landmark achievement, the Philippines has firmly stamped its mark on the international peace stage. The victory highlights that Filipino youth are not merely talented creators, but powerful messengers capable of envisioning a harmonious future.

The IWPG, a global organization registered with the UN ECOSOC and DGC, continues to empower women and youth across 122 countries, advocating for initiatives like the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Through the eyes of students like Prince Ikan, the organization’s mission—making peace a daily lifestyle rather than just an ideal—seems closer than ever.

A Love Story Reimagined: Timberlands Highlands Resort Unveils a Wedding Legacy with Pablo Mendez III

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The air is thick with anticipation—a blend of excitement for a stunning reveal and reverence for a true master of design. Tonight is not just an event; it is the grand, dramatic merger of place and passion, setting a new, unparalleled standard for luxury celebrations.

Welcome to the Highlands, where love is elevated to an art form.

I. The Double Unveiling: Setting the Stage

Timberlands Highlands Resort, long celebrated as a quietly kept escape, today threw open its gates to unveil something spectacular: "Weddings in the Highlands," their very own comprehensive wedding feature. But the resort did not stand alone in this momentous debut. The spotlight then shifted, blazing onto one of the country's most cherished homegrown talents, an artist whose name is synonymous with elegance and distinction across countless unforgettable occasions, from gracing beauty queens to styling icons of entertainment.

We speak, of course, of the renowned Mr. Pablo Mendez III.

The night was framed as a two-part showcase: the breathtaking venue and the peerless artistry of Mendez. Before the much-awaited show could begin, the audience turned its attention to the visionary who breathed life into this spectacular concept.

II. The Visionary: Shaping a Celebration

Stepping forward with an aura of dedication and warmth, Miss Eliza De Venezia Reyes, Chroma Hospitality's Assistant Vice President for Banquet and Key Accounts Sales, acknowledged the industry partners, creative forces, and colleagues gathered. Her opening words, though humble, carried the weight of the massive endeavor they represented.

"When we first envisioned Weddings in the Highlands, we knew we couldn't simply plan generic packages," Miss Reyes shared, her voice radiating conviction. "It had to reflect what we value most: the emotion, the intention behind every detail, and the personal touch that goes into creating a fully personal celebration."

The objective was clear: to combine the intrinsic beauty of Timberlands Highlands with a wedding service defined by depth, customization, and heart.

III. Where Natural Beauty Meets Refined Perception

Miss Reyes spoke passionately about the essence of a Timberlands wedding—an experience where the setting is merely the beginning of the magic.

Imagine exchanging vows amidst sweeping views of the city lights and the majestic mountains beyond. Picture lush, shifting gardens that hold a unique enchantment from the golden hour of day to the quiet drama of night. These are spaces, she noted, that naturally lend themselves to intimate ideas and refined receptions. What was once a secluded retreat has now evolved into one of the Metro's most compelling destinations for sealing a lasting legacy.

But the true soul of the Timberlands wedding lies not just in the panorama.

"What truly defines the Timberlands wedding are the people behind it," Miss Reyes emphasized. "Our planners, our service team, our culinary brigade, and our partners—they approach every event as if it were their own, so that each moment feels thoughtful and unforgettable."

IV. The Maestro’s Touch: Pablo Mendez III

This deep commitment to personalized excellence found its perfect counterpart in the evening's co-star: Pablo Mendez III.

The celebration reached its peak as the curtains prepared to lift (referring to the sunset), revealing the stunning integration of the resort's visual highlights or environmental features with Mendez's exquisite work. His artistry has long been the gold standard for accompanying life's major milestones with grace and distinction.

"This afternoon, we celebrate all of that, alongside the artistry of Pablo Mendez III," Miss Reyes announced, her statement acting as the final invitation. "I invite you to take it all in: the gowns, the styling, the food, the spaces, and the many stories that can begin here."

The lights dimming signaled the end of the prelude and the beginning of the drama. The show began and ended for now. Tonight, the Highlands have not just launched a service; they have launched a movement—a legacy of love and distinction, personally curated by the hands of a true master.

It is with profound pleasure and honor that the new chapter, "Weddings in the Highlands," officially begins.

PETA Announces “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter!” opening June 2026

Wazzup Pilipinas?! 

Eugene Domingo returns as herself in the franchise’s fourth and boldest installment yet

QUEZON CITY, Philippines—The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) proudly announces the newest—and wildest—addition to the iconic “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank” universe. After two blockbuster films and one hit series, the franchise is finally leaping from screen to stage with its live theatrical installment, from June 19 to August 16, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center.

Bringing the beloved satire to an entirely new medium, PETA’s “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4” promises a chaotic, sharp-witted, and laugh-out-loud look at the world of Philippine theater-making. In true Septic Tank fashion, the show takes audiences behind the curtain—then tears it down—exposing the ego, ambition, absurdity, and beautiful mess that fuels the industry today.

The show’s official synopsis reads:

PETA unveils its newest satire, a theatrical adaptation of “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank,” as a chaotic, hilarious meta-comedy about ego, art, and the messy reality of making Philippine theater today. From macro to micro, from venue problems to ticket prices, from what the subject matter is to what’s on Broadway, from what we love to what we hate about theater, from the past, present, and future of our beloved art.

Returning to the role only she can play is the incomparable Eugene Domingo as herself, joined by everybody else in the theater world as themselves!

Serving as the franchise's boldest evolution, this stage adaptation embraces PETA’s signature approach: entertainment paired with razor-sharp cultural commentary. Expect a riotous experience that reflects the chaos of real-life theater-making while preserving the company’s teeth—its commitment to socially relevant, politically aware, and artistically daring storytelling.

As the home of smash-hit originals like “Rak of Aegis,” “Walang Aray,” and the musical adaptation of “One More Chance,” PETA is poised to deliver a production that’s as groundbreaking as the films that inspired it.

Written by Chris Martinez and directed by Maribel Legarda, this installment is set to become as iconic as it's predecessors, only bigger, bolder, and even more meta.

“Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4” is co‑presented by Metrobank, PETA’s official bank partner for 2026.

Metrobank credit cardholders will have first access to tickets during a special presale when tickets launch in the first quarter of 2026.

Ticket waitlisters who sign up from December 2 to 7, 2025, via bit.ly/PETASepticTank4Waitlist will be next in line to purchase.